Battle of Campbell’s Station comes alive at new museum exhibit

The Farragut Museum is host to exhibit on the Battle of Campbell's Station.
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This Colt revolver model 1851, circa 1859, is part of "The Battle of Campbell's Station" exhibit at the Farragut Museum that opened Monday, Jan. 22, 2018.(Photo: Michael Patrick/News Sentinel)Buy Photo

Making history jump off the page is the forte of local historian and author Gerald Augustus, and he did it again during a presentation at the Farragut Museum on Jan. 21. A reception and preview was held to introduce the museum’s new exhibit, “The Battle of Campbell’s Station,” featuring items from his personal collection. His book by the same name details events of the battle.

Originally from Louisville, Ky., Augustus began learning about the Civil War from his grandfather, who simply called it “the war.” As a young boy, Augustus was fascinated by the stories his granddaddy told and he started collecting artifacts at 14.

Sandra and Gerald Augustus are avid collectors of Civil War artifacts; Sandra wears an authentic replica of a circa 1863 outfit, complete with undergarments, while Gerald is clad in the uniform of a colonel for the Confederate Ordnance circa 1862. Margie Hagen/Shopper News

A special "The Battle of Campbell's Station" exhibit preview was held Sunday with a lecture by author Gerald Augustus. The new exhibit opened at the Farragut Museum Monday, Jan. 22, 2018. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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After meeting and marrying his wife, Sandra, the couple moved to the Knoxville area. Both were educators and taught in local schools for many years. Initially, Sandra wasn’t all that interested in the Civil War, but she soon caught “the bug” from Gerald. She began collecting period clothing and now has an extensive array, including fashion magazines of the day. “It’s something we do together,” she said.

The collection includes well over 5,000 books and hundreds of long arms and pistols, along with all types of other memorabilia. Always looking to add authentic pieces, the couple scours estate sales, Civil War shows, antique shops and even junk stores. Informally known as the “Professor of the Civil War,” Augustus gets calls from all over, tipping him off to possible acquisitions. “You never know what you will find,” he said.

The author of a previous book, “The Loudon County Area of East Tennessee in the War 1861-1865,” Augustus was urged by colleagues to write “The Battle of Campbell’s Station.” “It was nearly 15 years in the making,” he said. With credit to family and friends like Julia Barham, Bob Linsel, Jerry Keyes and Louis LaMarche with encouragement and help, the book was published in 2013. He is currently working on four other books.

Sandra and Gerald Augustus are avid collectors of Civil War artifacts; Sandra wears an authentic replica of a circa 1863 outfit, complete with undergarments, while Gerald is clad in the uniform of a colonel for the Confederate Ordnance circa 1862.(Photo: Margie Hagen/Shopper News)

“The battle (Campbell’s Station) took place right where we are sitting,” said Augustus as he began an hour-by-hour recounting of Nov. 16, 1863. Hundreds of casualties were suffered on both sides as Union commander Ambrose Burnside’s forces fought against the Confederates led by James Longstreet. Technically, Longstreet won the day, but because Burnside was able to get his forces back to Knoxville intact, the Union eventually prevailed.

Diaries reveal quotes like “It was like a mighty game of chess,” and, “If a bullet didn’t get you, a battle shell might.” Another tidbit describes how the Russell family and their white horse hid in the basement of the Campbell Station Inn during the fighting. And did you know that the term “sideburns” originated from Burnside’s thick cheek whiskers?

The exhibit and book provide a treasure trove for history buffs or anyone wanting to learn more about Farragut. Admission to the museum is free, but you can always contribute to the donation jar or buy the book. Townoffarragut.org/865-966-7057.